Dark Age of Camelot: Trials of Atlantis Impressions

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As Mythic's second expansion pack launches, we examine what it brings to the award-winning fantasy online world.

By Olafur 'Avalean' Waage

From its numerous depictions in literature and on stage, screen, television et al, the tale of King Arthur is a very familiar one. Who among us has not heard of him, Queen Guenevere, the wizard Merlin, Sir Lancelot, the Knights of the Round Table and the city of Camelot? Some four years ago, a small development studio made the decision to take advantage of this broad familiarity by adapting the setting to a persistent state world project set shortly after the time of the legend. Arthur has been slain, and without his leadership, the era of such noble ideals as chivalry, justice, purity and honor has quickly been supplanted by one of conflict among three realms. Albion is where Camelot still stands. Based on Irish Celtic themes, Hibernia is a western region, while the Norse-influenced Midgard lies to the north.

Launched earlier today, Dark Age of Camelot: Trials of Atlantis is Mythic Entertainment's second expansion for its successful and critically acclaimed online world - the third if you count the free one, Foundations, that implemented housing. The new product is slated to add many enhancements. One is an upgraded graphics engine that will render new areas based on another legendary location, the lost titular city. As well, each realm will receive an additional playable race, the character development system will be expanded to incorporate Master Levels, and the implementation of travel by boat will allow players to cross the seas above the new submerged locales. Of course, there will be a lot more than just these few highlights. In our quest to bring further facts to light, we took an extensive hands-on look at the late beta.

Earlier today, Mythic Entertainment's newest adventure, Trials of Atlantis was added to the world called Dark Age of Camelot, bringing new lands, monsters, Master Levels, artifacts and more. But what is this expansion like, and what does it mean for the game's still growing community of players? Will the new content bring forth the best in them? Will it enhance and expand the overall experience? Or will it merely provide some flourish and nice textures?

Lets start with the basics. Mythic already proved with its previous expansion, Shrouded Isles, that it has the ability to create a truly worthy add-on with plenty of new and improved elements for players to enjoy. This time, the most talked about addition is probably underwater exploration. What's that, you say? Within Trials of Atlantis, you not only get new lands to explore, but new seas as well. A lot of the new areas are found beneath the waves, so you can now fight, explore and find new treasures elsewhere than only on terra firma. Another prominent feature is the upgraded graphics engine that supports enhanced ground texturing, improved landscapes, the underwater scenes of course, a new system that makes trees and undergrowth more realistic in the new and existing areas, and more.

Naturally, the best way to experience such things is hands-on in the game. My first view upon entering the world was looking over a small, foggy field with rain falling. Not able to see very far, I turned and was surprised to see a large, Roman-like building decorated with small runes. Upon entering this handsome structure, my avatar was in a long corridor, surrounded by scholars dressed in impressive armors. At the end of this passage was a portal with a elderly person standing next to it. When asked about the gateway, he replied that within this world lies danger, but with that it comes treasures beyond anyone's wildest imagination.

But what are these treasures? Lets start with master levels. There are nine in total, adding new combat moves and abilities within two tracks from which a player can choose. These official descriptions provide a good indication of the variety and depth Trials of Atlantis offers in this aspect:

Banelord The Banelord uses his ancient Atlantean teachings to both weaken the physical and mental properties of his opponents as well as aid his allies by guiding their blows. His is the art of diminishment. Some of his abilities include those that will drain power, endurance or health from his enemies. He can also slow his foes movement on the battlefield. Conversely, he also guides his allies in their strikes upon the enemy improving their aim and their effectiveness.

Warlord The Warlord has mastered the Atlantean arts of battle leadership and tactics. His abilities reach out to aid his allies in the grand scheme of their war. He can bolster the healing; power and endurance of those under his protection. His presence on the battlefield can cause his enemies to be demoralized such that they will be less able to strike upon his vassals.